By Staff
Your career has been deeply rooted in brand strategy and cultural marketing. What inspired you to take this next step and launch your own venture?
Honestly, it just felt like the right time. As a Black executive who’s always been rooted in culture, I’ve spent my career helping some of the most globally recognized brands across verticals connect with people in a real, authentic way. I realized that there was space to do this work differently – to build something where culture isn’t just a part of the strategy but the heart of it. I wanted to create a venture that isn’t afraid to challenge the norm, push boundaries, and build partnerships that feel genuine and impactful. This next step is really about owning that vision and making it happen on my own terms.
You’ve described this chapter as being about new platforms, partnerships, and possibilities. How do these three pillars define your vision moving forward?
For me, it’s all about evolving and staying ahead of the curve. New platforms mean finding creative ways to reach people where they are. With SMOGO TV, I’m offering a whole new platform for creators of color to share their content in ways they haven’t been able to before. It’s about giving them space to tell their stories and connect with audiences in a fresh, impactful way.
Partnerships are just as important because I’m all about bringing people and brands together in ways that make sense. I’m focused on creating strategic alignments that don’t just look good on paper but actually make a difference for everyone involved. It’s about building relationships where both sides see real value.
And possibilities – that’s the exciting part. I’m staying curious, open, and always looking for new ideas that keep me connected to culture while pushing into uncharted territory. It’s about keeping that forward momentum and never getting too comfortable.
The Brand DJ Diaries is a unique concept blending brand strategy with cultural storytelling. What can audiences expect from this new content series, and what makes it different from other branding discussions?
The Brand DJ Diaries is all about keeping it real. It’s not your typical branding talk where it’s just numbers and metrics. I’m pulling back the curtain and showing how I actually mix brand strategy with culture – just like a DJ blends sounds to create something fresh. You’ll hear stories from my own journey, insights from people who are making waves in branding, and real conversations about why certain strategies hit and others don’t. It’s less about giving a blueprint and more about sharing how to move with culture and keep your brand relevant.
SMOGO TV has already made a significant impact in elevating diverse creators. How do you plan to scale and expand its influence in the evolving digital content landscape?
SMOGO TV has always been about creating space for diverse voices, and honestly, we’ve been standing on the shoulders of the pioneers in Black-owned media who paved the way. Over the past five years, we’ve worked to build a platform where creators and organizations can share their messages on a Black-owned media outlet, giving them a voice in spaces where they might not always be heard.
As we grow, we’re focused on taking that mission even further. One big goal is to leverage resources to really support creators of color, not just by giving them a platform but by helping them monetize their content in different ways. It’s about making sure they’re not just seen and heard but also compensated for their creativity.
We’re also looking to broaden our content by engaging creators and organizations in spaces like faith, finance, health, and wellness. Plus, we’re expanding our podcast network to give creators more formats to tell their stories and reach new audiences. At the end of the day, it’s about continuing to honor the legacy of Black-owned media while pushing forward, innovating, and finding new ways to uplift our community.
You emphasize brand collaborations that create impact rather than just campaigns. Can you share an example of how you envision working with brands to drive culture and commerce?
Throughout my 15 years in corporate leadership, I’ve always focused on building authentic partnerships that make sense – not just on paper but in real life. I’ve been able to connect my brands with events, influencers, and opportunities that helped build trust and ultimately drive the market among key audiences. That’s been the secret sauce: making connections that feel genuine while moving the needle for the brand.
In this new chapter as an entrepreneur, I’m keeping that same approach. I already have a few key event clients that have an incredible reach among affluent African American audiences. I see a real opportunity to connect those events with luxury brands that are looking to make an impact in a thoughtful and culturally relevant way.
Storytelling is at the core of your work. How do you see the role of storytelling evolving in brand marketing, and how does your new venture fit into this evolution?
Storytelling is evolving because consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are making spending decisions based on who a brand is, not just what they make. They want to know the brand’s “why” – what it stands for and what it believes in. You can’t just summarize that in a paid social media post or an ad. You have to tell that story in a way that feels real and relatable.
One of the ways I’m doing this is by connecting brands with content creators who are naturally great at storytelling. These creators know how to translate brand values into content that resonates with their audiences, making the message feel authentic rather than forced. It’s about facilitating partnerships where brands don’t just speak at people but actually engage with them through stories that matter.
About
SMOGO TV celebrates the best of black excellence with a mix of inspiring and entertaining programming the whole family can enjoy.
